A big step

Walk creates a lifetime memory

Walk creates a lifetime memory

January 22, 2006

When my daughter, Angie, announced her engagement to Brian Cencelewski, she also announced that she wanted an outdoor wedding. There was no doubt in her mind where the wedding would take place -- or, no matter the obstacles, who would escort her to Brian. What better setting than home, where there were endless memories from the first chapter of her life? And who else but her father to give her away? Angie grew up on 20 acres south of the city, with three brothers and always a family pet or two. Brad and I remember watching the kids just being kids: always running and laughing, with an occasional shove or two. They were not only siblings; they were best friends. As Angie and her brothers turned into young adults, the shoves turned to hugs. The laughing turned to sadness with each goodbye, and the running, well, age slows everyone down. One thing remained the same, though: Angie and her brothers were still best friends. Angie's father was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the early 1970s. Since MS is a progressive disease and worsens with age, no one knew what the future would hold. Angie has always admired her father for his lack of self-pity and strong headed determination. No matter how difficult it was for him, he would always be there for Angie, her brothers and me. Angie knew it would be no different for her wedding day. She knew that, no matter what, her father would walk her to the altar. And, on Sept. 17, 2005, that he did -- with the help of Angie's three brothers. What an honor it was for each brother to have a part in escorting Angie down the grassy, rose petal path. Birdie, the youngest brother, was the first to walk with Angie. He took her a third of the way, where Sam, the middle brother, took over. After Sam's turn escorting Angie, he stepped aside so that Shad, the oldest brother, could walk with her almost as far as the altar. There, not only was Brian waiting for Angie, but so was her father. Brad was ready to take his part in writing another chapter in Angie's life, accompanying her as she took the last steps to the altar. The steps were few, but they left us all with a memory to last a lifetime. -- Fran P. Clark of South Bend